Suspended CJN Onneghen Resigns

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has reportedly resigned, a senior lawyer in his legal team confirmed on Friday.

“I have just spoken with him. He confirmed to me that he resigned voluntarily yesterday (Thursday),” the senior advocate who said he did not have Onnoghen’s authorisation to speak on the issue said.

Justice Onnoghen had reportedly sent his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, barely 24 hours after the National Judicial Council concluded investigating him for various allegations of misconduct.

There has not been an official confirmation of his resignation.

The embattled CJN is standing trial at the code of conduct tribunal on a six-count of alleged failure to declare his assets to the code of conduct bureau. He has however denied the allegations.

The NJC on Wednesday had conveyed their decision on Justice Onnoghen and the Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad after the five-man committee constituted to investigate the allegations against them submitted their findings.

The NJC, however, did not disclose its recommendations regarding both justices but it is believed that the council may have recommended the resignation of Justice Onnoghen.

According to statement from NJC’s director of information Soji Oye, the council had resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to the president.

FRCN Abuja